DOT, police preparing roadways for Harley-Davidson 110th

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary Celebration means a lot of motorcycle riders making their way to Milwaukee. With so many extra cyclists, preparing the city's roads is key.

One of the main focuses for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is Saturday’s parade at 10 a.m. starting at Miller Park and ending at the Summerfest grounds.

DOT officials say coordination with Harley-Davidson and law enforcement will be important, especially while the roads are shut down for the parade. The DOT plans to station law enforcement at key intersections and off ramps.

The DOT also wants to make drivers aware that several planned block parties, plant tours, and demos will be happening over the weekend, including the closure of 6th St. from Canal St. to Virginia the night Thursday, August 29th.

While some roads are closing for the events, others are opening. Many of the city's construction projects were planned with the anniversary weekend in mind, so they will be finished, or temporarily open, when bikers visit the city.

“Most of our projects have been geared for this so we are wrapping things up,” said Ryan Luck with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, “We’re ready to sit back in our work zones, let the visitors come in and enjoy the week.”

The DOT is also working on keeping the roads clean for all the riders.

“Our maintenance crews out on the freeway system have been filling the potholes and we've been doing sweeping during our construction projects, just make sure they have all the extra dirt and gravel, and it makes the roadway clean,” said Luck.

DOT officials are also reminding drivers to be alert and cautious during the celebration.

“We want to show our best face to the visitors. We want to have a very safe event and so all of the drivers out there -- let's be extra cautious. Let’s check our blind spots, let's be courteous and cognizant of riders coming through,” said Luck.